Diary of a Racketaholic

R

Ross K

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Diary of a Racketaholic

Been looking at the PSTGT+ and APD and APD/C in the last month or so. The PSTGT+ is actually a standard size that has had the extra . 5 " added later (fine work there Meaghan), and the APD/C is strung @ about 35 lbs... (oh crap)... so, yeah, I'm not going to say much about that, accept for this: 'noodle'... :)

Yesterday's proper session (and not just hitting with a bunch of bratty little kids) put me in bad mood. You see, having realized that my aging and lazy b-line game maybe required something more appropriate than the C10 which I settled on at the start of the summer (not quite enough of a monster, spinny, heavy ball, for me), but that hits less demanding than the tennis ball crushing oomph of the RD7 that I'd so appreciated at the beginning of this year (btw, for those who haven't had the pleasure, the best description I've heard for this beautiful but slightly unpredictable beast of a racket is 'bi-polar bear'!), well, my early impressions of both racks was this was the way to go... you want booming serve and big oomphing topspin groundies (and hitting fhs with this is just so incredibly addictive... ohhhh yeeeeees)... the APD (original with the black pj) has got it!... you want a far richer feel with less of that Serena-like big old chunky APD beam but a frame that can still produce huge power and good spin (specially with that added length)?... the PSTGT+ has got that covered as well!...

Or I thought so... with the APD, an old problem re-emerged, namely, how to customize the thing... with about 6g on the butt and 4g @ 12, the thing felt a bit too clunky and slowed down... having gone through a load of lead set ups this was/is an annoyance that I know, from past experience, can wind me up just as much as watching Andy Murray - and nearly as much as watching Gael Monfils :evil: ... anyhow, I've got to rethink the whole customization issue... again... Secondly, when I was warming up, I happened to look around the adjoining, not too packed courts, and noticed 5 players wielding the APD/C... now... I know this sounds petty and irrelevant... but this is a real turn off for me... at least no-one was carrying a black pj orig APD, but still... no, I don't like that... too common, man! :roll:

After a set with the APD, with the PSTGT+ the improvement in feel is instantly registered... this racket does what's required: gives a bit of assistance on 2hbh and serve, and hits a massive shot and you can really nail a ball (hits a bit flatter for me than the APD), when you've got the timing down... because there's no doubt about it - for the first time, I really noticed, in a negative sense, that extra length.:(

Anyhow, I know PP is going to lecture me about not leading up the APD at all (I'm putting my crash helmet on now!)... PED will have something to say too... I woke up this morning to hear the disappointing news that Wozzy has lost (have become a fan recently)... it already looks like winter has arrived outside and we're still in early Sept?!... I don't know when I'll be free for tennis next week... I have about 35 frames I need to put on fboy before my lady kicks me out the house... Oh... and I wish Fed Kennedy would stop his very head-turning posts about the YT Extreme Pro - LOL!


R.

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Hilarious post. We have much in common Ross.
I'm in kind of a halfway house recovery program for racket junkies with less than 10 frames now. Will probably always have that crackhead twitch but I'm trying to control myself.
I say, drink a bottle of tequila, order an extreme pro and stay in bed till it arrives. Worked wonders for me.
Fed K
 
Always love to read ur semi-rhetorical OCD posts Ross, always makes me feel not quite as guilty for being so obsessed myself.:)

Also ur modified PSTGT+ got me thinking: is there a safe and reasonably easy way to modify a 27.5" racquet to make it standard length?

Tell me if this is too much of a thread jacking and Ill delete it.

BTW I couldnt bring myself to use a APD though it felt preety good and hit some monster groundies, did feel awkward in the hand though at net. I have MBDS(must be different syndrome) and it is greatly exacerbated by living in California where it has almost become a sport.
 
GameSetMatch said:
You aren't the smartest are you? Just saw the end off. Do you need instructions?
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WTF man????

Whats with all the personal attacks????

And yes Having never done it b4 I would like instructions b4 I dig a saw into one of my babies.

Trolling and insults should be confined to the other boards, this is where I go to take a break from debating logically w illogical ppl and actually try to learn things. I suggest u do the same and at least learn some common respect.:roll:
 
Ross K said:
Diary of a Racketaholic

PED will have something to say too...

R.
Click to expand...

I only have 2 comments :)

1. It's hard to my mind to go back and forth between the pst and the apd simply based on their balance(length) and more importantly their beam size. I did a similar experiment back in early 08 and my strokes suffered from the switching.

It took me 6 weeks at 5 to 6 days a week before I felt at home with the apd plus. Now, you'd have to pry it from my cold dead fingers before I'd give it up. It does take awhile to get used to the various lead setups so hang in there and have fun.

2. Gooners looked great today ;)
 
I suggest this: take your time with each and every setup; dont jump back and forth between them, your game will suffer. If you take your time with them, youll get used to the setup and you will better see how it affects your game.

Me, I'm sticking with the MG RAd MP, MAY try the YT, but I'm wary of doing so, having adapted to the MG. I am trying new setups with it, but taking it one modification at a time, until I find the perfect blend of weight and balance to fit my game totally.
 
Everyone,

Yeah!... fantastic!... awoke to learn His Haughty Highness King Fed here...
ten_a_federer_412.jpg
- he got beat!... okay... true... I might not want Novak flying my plane, but he's a great player and a fun guy. :)


Hiro,

Sorry buddy. I've looked but can't find much info on... I'll say this though, are you really sure you want to undergo... ("Cough, cough")... 'the procedure' ... Seriously, I've long wanted to look at XL size frames again (I use to play the PD+ years back and have played the Ra TT XL a bit as well), there's no denying the advantages therein imo, however there are also negatives and they do take some getting used to.

BTW I couldnt bring myself to use a APD though it felt preety good and hit some monster groundies, did feel awkward in the hand though at net. I have MBDS(must be different syndrome) and it is greatly exacerbated by living in California where it has almost become a sport.
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Ha ha!... I've never heard that before - MBDS (must be different syndrome)!... I could have it mate I swear!... anyhow, I still don't think there's much wrong with not wanting to be one of the sheep (especially as it seems the APD is so MASSIVELY popular)?... perhaps next time I play the legions of North London Aerpro users will have decreased in number a bit?


PED, Cup,

Of course you're absolutely right, chaps. I may well just have to decide on just 1 and concentrate on that for a while... which would therefore mean deciding which appeals to me the most...

PROS... with the APD: the class A-like addictive pleasure of hitting topspin fhs :twisted: and bashing out a 2hbh and serve, versus... with the PSTGT+: better feeling, equally big-hitting, more solid, better control, easier on the stretch, access to angles... CONS... APD: less control, poorer feel and touch, bigger head, stiffer, I seem to always be experimenting with lead set ups, everyone bloody plays it! :roll: ... PSTGT+: extra length creates timing issues and it can seem a tad unwieldly, less of a whooping topspin b-line machine sort of stick, less fun...

Right. Time for a cup of tea so strong I can stand a spoon up in it.

(Note to self: must resist urge to look up posts on "Novak's actual frame" which will doubtless start appearing in 'Pro rackets' section today... it can only lead to one thing: interest in yet more frames!...)


R.
 
Gents,

Qsn... just curious... what are all your present (and presumably favourite) head-light balances? One of my reasons for me previously leading up the APD was to make the balance more head-light...


R.
 
HiroProtagonist said:
Also ur modified PSTGT+ got me thinking: is there a safe and reasonably easy way to modify a 27.5" racquet to make it standard length?
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A junior hacksaw will do the job just fine. Clamp the racquet securely, and take your time. Below are a couple of pictures from when I cut mine. I was changing the pallets too so had already removed them, but there's no reason why you shouldn't cut the whole handle provided you can keep the racquet stable.

3996771.jpg


3996775.jpg
 
Ross K said:
Gents,

Qsn... just curious... what are all your present (and presumably favourite) head-light balances? One of my reasons for me previously leading up the APD was to make the balance more head-light...


R.
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For me, this is rather relative to the overall weight of the racquet. I'm currently playing with 8 point HL (strung), but that's mainly because the racquet is around 370g (also strung). With a lighter racquet, I tend to prefer the balance to become closer to the head to make up for lack of mass. I've never really thought of a rule of thumb for this, but if there were one it would probably be something like 1 point per 10g or so.
 
Dags said:
For me, this is rather relative to the overall weight of the racquet. I'm currently playing with 8 point HL (strung), but that's mainly because the racquet is around 370g (also strung). With a lighter racquet, I tend to prefer the balance to become closer to the head to make up for lack of mass. I've never really thought of a rule of thumb for this, but if there were one it would probably be something like 1 point per 10g or so.
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Quoted for truth: this is the key formula. It is not so much the balance itself but the balance relative to the overall weight of the stick you are using.


A more HL balance on a heavier stick will still have more relative weight behind it as compared to a lighter stick but with a less HL balance.

I think if you lead your APD up to the low 340g area, it will improve the feel and weight of the ball; HOWEVER, given your dislike of its popularity, you might not want to invest the effort ;)

I still think you should concentrate on your PD +. If you are trying out 2 different sticks, the pd plus and the pst + won't "conflict" as much with your strokes. :)
 
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Dags said:
For me, this is rather relative to the overall weight of the racquet. I'm currently playing with 8 point HL (strung), but that's mainly because the racquet is around 370g (also strung). With a lighter racquet, I tend to prefer the balance to become closer to the head to make up for lack of mass. I've never really thought of a rule of thumb for this, but if there were one it would probably be something like 1 point per 10g or so.
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Interesting. Thx.



PED,

I think if you lead your APD up to the low 340g area, it will improve the feel and weight of the ball; HOWEVER, given your dislike of its popularity, you might not want to invest the effort
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In truth, we're okay on the popularity issue really as the black original APD has far less users.:wink::grin:



R.
 
Thnx for the info and pics Dags!!!

I was mainly fretting about what kind of saw to use, hack saw seemed the most logical. Im just glad I have a MG Extreme to experiment w/ b4 the real test. I take it since u didnt mention ne, there were no complications or ill effects? Did u find the difference in balance and weight to be dramatic or negligible? I assume it doesnt affect it all that much, but as we all know, racquets and the smallest tweaks...........

Thnx again.
 
Ross K said:
Diary of a Racketaholic
I have about 35 frames I need to put on fboy before my lady kicks me out the house... LOL!

R.
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My bride just let me pop for 2 new YT Prestige MP's from TW after listening to me whine about none of my multitude of frames playing the same and enduring a quest of myriad acquisitions and searches for frames.

I haven't put the dozen or so frames up on the big auction site yet.

she reminded me today of my promise....:cry:

Let's wish each other good luck and bravery as we embark on this perilous quest to clear inventory.....

I was going thru some of the planned sale items and I was getting very depressed....2 mint Prince Equipe MP's, a near mint Yonex Super RD tour a Wilson HH 6.3 MP a Prince Precision Graphite 640...you get the idea.

I love my new frames but selling off tennis racquets is going to be painful.

I am frantically trying to hide several.....
 
I saw off my apdc+ by .5", back in the days that I was struggling to learn everything. In hindsight it probably doesn't matter with this xtra .5".

The sawing part was easy. Taking off the staples was bloody hard. I used a table saw, conservatively slicing several times to get to .5. Actually it's very easy. It doesn't matter if you miss a few millimeter. You can put back the cap on and stuff it with a few slices of whatever to extend it. The key is to super glue everything back strongly so the racket won't accidentally fly out of your hand. Use ALOT of glue. That's it.
 
HiroProtagonist said:
Thnx for the info and pics Dags!!!

I was mainly fretting about what kind of saw to use, hack saw seemed the most logical. Im just glad I have a MG Extreme to experiment w/ b4 the real test. I take it since u didnt mention ne, there were no complications or ill effects? Did u find the difference in balance and weight to be dramatic or negligible? I assume it doesnt affect it all that much, but as we all know, racquets and the smallest tweaks...........

Thnx again.
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I find the difference in general between 27 and 27.5" to be quite dramatic - the extra length made so much more difference that I would have expected. The piece I cut off (which you can see on the table in the second picture) weighed 8 grams. Because of the large number of factors you're changing (length, weight, balance) in one go, you should notice the difference. Which is rather the point - if you didn't, why would you cut it in the first place? I was matching mine to a 27" racquet so knew what specs I was aiming for.

There were no complications at all. I measured and re-measured before I cut, but did it in one rather than a bit at a time. I was surprised how easy it was actually, I thought graphite would put up more of a fight! Unlike user92626, I didn't use any glue: my new pallets are held in place with double-sided tape, and the butt cap is secured with a staple gun.
 
Ross, glad to see you actually started this thread. Now I have some place to post my racquet ramblings other than the old YT Rad Pro review thread.

My racquet collection keeps growing, as does my indecision as to what racquet I will ultimately choose. My current options range from my old trusty MG Rad OS, to the sampling of the YT Rad Pro, YT Prestige Pro, APDGT, and APDC. I thought I had narrowed the choice to the APDGT. But after the last two weeks, I just don't know.
 
Dags said:
I find the difference in general between 27 and 27.5" to be quite dramatic - the extra length made so much more difference that I would have expected. The piece I cut off (which you can see on the table in the second picture) weighed 8 grams. Because of the large number of factors you're changing (length, weight, balance) in one go, you should notice the difference. Which is rather the point - if you didn't, why would you cut it in the first place? I was matching mine to a 27" racquet so knew what specs I was aiming for.

There were no complications at all. I measured and re-measured before I cut, but did it in one rather than a bit at a time. I was surprised how easy it was actually, I thought graphite would put up more of a fight! Unlike user92626, I didn't use any glue: my new pallets are held in place with double-sided tape, and the butt cap is secured with a staple gun.
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Thnx again Dags,

My aim in shortening my iPrestige mp XL:evil: is not an adjustment of the weight or balance but rather I find the extra .5" noticeably awkward in my hand affecting my timing. Also switching between standard and extended length racquets doesnt seem like a good idea for my tennis brain.

Now if I could just find a way to get the damn staples out w/out destroying the butt cap:mad:

And I want to give a special thanx to Ross for very graciously not getting annoyed w my thread jacking :)
 
HitItHarder said:
Ross, glad to see you actually started this thread. Now I have some place to post my racquet ramblings other than the old YT Rad Pro review thread.

My racquet collection keeps growing, as does my indecision as to what racquet I will ultimately choose. My current options range from my old trusty MG Rad OS, to the sampling of the YT Rad Pro, YT Prestige Pro, APDGT, and APDC. I thought I had narrowed the choice to the APDGT. But after the last two weeks, I just don't know.
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What are your general feelings - pros and cons for you now - that you've spent some time with the Aeropro?

BTW, it's all a bit confusing with me at present as the 2 frames I'm into are quite different and there are a few other imponderables at present (like strings, tensions, customization, etc.) Being a no good, lowdown racketaholic too :) , as you'd expect, I'm pretty close to taking a peek at an Extreme Pro and, er, maybe another 1 or 2 racks that will no doubt totally send me over the edge!:roll:

Cheers Hit... feel free to post your racketaholic ramblings in here mate!

R.
 
Ross K said:
What are your general feelings - pros and cons for you now - that you've spent some time with the Aeropro?

BTW, it's all a bit confusing with me at present as the 2 frames I'm into are quite different and there are a few other imponderables at present (like strings, tensions, customization, etc.) Being a no good, lowdown racketaholic too :) , as you'd expect, I'm pretty close to taking a peek at an Extreme Pro and, er, maybe another 1 or 2 racks that will no doubt totally send me over the edge!:roll:

Cheers Hit... feel free to post your racketaholic ramblings in here mate!

R.
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I blame Fed Kennedy for this, but I just pulled the trigger on a YT Extreme Pro. I definately need counseling. I was getting ready to put a little lead on the APDGT, and realized that the stock YT Extreme Pro specs (at least according to TW) are pretty close to where I was going to end up after adding the lead. So I decided that I would test my wife's patience one more time and go with another racquet.

My feelings on the APDGT are good. It is a nice racquet and does a lot of things well. It volleys nicely assuming you use good technique and set up for it. It excells in defensive play as I found when I was really stretched or jammed, I could block the ball back with both pace and depth to keep points neutral. Serves nicely with good pace and spin. Baseline rallys are fun as you can generate loads of spin off both wings. You can really go after your groundies. And it seemed to swing easier than the YT Rad Pro, which I was directly comparing it with for the last couple weeks. So a lot of positives.

However -- and there always seems to be a however -- as I mentioned in the other thread I just can't quite generate that big heavy ball like I can with the YT Rad Pro. This is not to say I can't hit solid topspin with the APDGT, because I can. It is just that the Rad Pro generates a more penetrating heavy shot, which I attribute to the high SW. One of my hitting partners described it like this:

With the APDGT the ball had tons of spin but seemed to sit up more when it would bounce. So the ball gets out of the strike zone fast unless you take the ball early. Great for baseline rallys. But you really have to swing out to create that penetrating forcing shot. My backhand had less pace as well, but was solid.

With the YT Rad Pro, the ball also had tons of spin but the ball wouldn't sit up as much. The heavy topspin would take the ball into the opponent. I suppose the best way to describe it is the ball jumps at the opponent more than jumping up from the spin. My 2HBH also had more pace. As I mentioned, I think it is a function of the big SW of the Rad Pro and it is that same swing weight that can make me late -- as PED has mentioned as well -- when I face a flat hard hitter. The Rad Pro has better feel as well, which I believe is because of the flex of the frame.

I also found one other area that caused me some problems with the APDGT this last match, which has got me thinking I need to add a little weight to it. My opponent started pushing soft low skidding shots in around the service line after loosing a good number of points trying to rally from the baseline. It was a smart move. I found I had a lot of trouble hitting an offensive top spin return off these low skidding no pace balls. My shots were going long, so I had to resort to defensive slice returns - a lot of which were floating high enough that I was getting eat up by swinging volleys on my opponent's next ball. I switched over to the Rad Pro at a change over and it fixed the problem. Since they were slow paced shots, there was no problem setting up and the extra swing weight of the Rad Pro allowed me to hit very offensive topspin drives.

So I ended up having to switch racquets to fit the game style of my opponent. Not something I really want to do because it takes a little bit to adjust my swing for the different specs.

I figured that a little extra weight on the APDGT would potentially give me the best of both worlds, and I plan to try it. I plan to add a little lead on the handle first to see if that does the trick. But then Fed Kennedy started telling us about the YT Extreme Pro, and well I caved. Looks like I am adding another stick to the collection.:)
 
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^^^

Ha, ha - it's all Fed's fault!... I blame him totally :)... actually it's the MG Extreme Pro I'll probably be looking at... figure it will give me a ballpark idea of how I like these rackets.

Hit, my man, I agree with so much of your interesting post though... shall reply later as I'm meant to be working.:oops:

Regards,

R.

BTW, PED is the man when it comes to customizing - maybe he'll chime in...
 
Yes! Welcome to the dark side. You will soon find out the power of the dark side.... What are you stringing it with?
As I said this racquet kind of splits the difference between a radical pro (heft) and apd (spin). To me it feels like a 6.1 for dummies, solid stable and powerful, but some nice forgiveness, which I really appreciate.
Also, I can flatten the ball much easier than I can with other tweener type sticks.
Added bonus: no lead tape shenanigans to drive me nuts.
 
Fed Kennedy said:
Yes! Welcome to the dark side. You will soon find out the power of the dark side.... What are you stringing it with?
As I said this racquet kind of splits the difference between a radical pro (heft) and apd (spin). To me it feels like a 6.1 for dummies, solid stable and powerful, but some nice forgiveness, which I really appreciate.
Also, I can flatten the ball much easier than I can with other tweener type sticks.
Added bonus: no lead tape shenanigans to drive me nuts.
Click to expand...


I typically use full poly. I have a couple different reels, but Turbotwist 1.18 is my favorite. I usually string in the low to mid-50s.

When the YT Extreme Pro comes in I will string it up the same.

And I agree about the lead. If I could find a stick that I like stock, it would make things so much easier. That was the main reason I thought I would give the Extreme a shot.
 
HitItHarder said:
I blame Fed Kennedy for this, but I just pulled the trigger on a YT Extreme Pro. I definately need counseling. I was getting ready to put a little lead on the APDGT, and realized that the stock YT Extreme Pro specs (at least according to TW) are pretty close to where I was going to end up after adding the lead. So I decided that I would test my wife's patience one more time and go with another racquet.

My feelings on the APDGT are good. It is a nice racquet and does a lot of things well. It volleys nicely assuming you use good technique and set up for it. It excells in defensive play as I found when I was really stretched or jammed, I could block the ball back with both pace and depth to keep points neutral. Serves nicely with good pace and spin. Baseline rallys are fun as you can generate loads of spin off both wings. You can really go after your groundies. And it seemed to swing easier than the YT Rad Pro, which I was directly comparing it with for the last couple weeks. So a lot of positives.

However -- and there always seems to be a however -- as I mentioned in the other thread I just can't quite generate that big heavy ball like I can with the YT Rad Pro. This is not to say I can't hit solid topspin with the APDGT, because I can. It is just that the Rad Pro generates a more penetrating heavy shot, which I attribute to the high SW. One of my hitting partners described it like this:

With the APDGT the ball had tons of spin but seemed to sit up more when it would bounce. So the ball gets out of the strike zone fast unless you take the ball early. Great for baseline rallys. But you really have to swing out to create that penetrating forcing shot. My backhand had less pace as well, but was solid.

With the YT Rad Pro, the ball also had tons of spin but the ball wouldn't sit up as much. The heavy topspin would take the ball into the opponent. I suppose the best way to describe it is the ball jumps at the opponent more than jumping up from the spin. My 2HBH also had more pace. As I mentioned, I think it is a function of the big SW of the Rad Pro and it is that same swing weight that can make me late -- as PED has mentioned as well -- when I face a flat hard hitter. The Rad Pro has better feel as well, which I believe is because of the flex of the frame.

I also found one other area that caused me some problems with the APDGT this last match, which has got me thinking I need to add a little weight to it. My opponent started pushing soft low skidding shots in around the service line after loosing a good number of points trying to rally from the baseline. It was a smart move. I found I had a lot of trouble hitting an offensive top spin return off these low skidding no pace balls. My shots were going long, so I had to resort to defensive slice returns - a lot of which were floating high enough that I was getting eat up by swinging volleys on my opponent's next ball. I switched over to the Rad Pro at a change over and it fixed the problem. Since they were slow paced shots, there was no problem setting up and the extra swing weight of the Rad Pro allowed me to hit very offensive topspin drives.

So I ended up having to switch racquets to fit the game style of my opponent. Not something I really want to do because it takes a little bit to adjust my swing for the different specs.

I figured that a little extra weight on the APDGT would potentially give me the best of both worlds, and I plan to try it. I plan to add a little lead on the handle first to see if that does the trick. But then Fed Kennedy started telling us about the YT Extreme Pro, and well I caved. Looks like I am adding another stick to the collection.:)
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Hit,

The great lead tape debate re the Aeropro is a royal pain in the derrière, no doubt at all... I'm soon to follow PED's advice and try the lead fishing weights method (have just today found somewhere not too far that sells them)... anyhow, my instinct is the frame needs a bit of firming up and general assistance... and basically, I agree with so much of what you say about the Aeropro, though for me, the jury is still out on precisely the kind of deep, penetrating ball I can or cannot hit with it... I've just had it sent to my stringer (Solinco Tour Bite @ about 52 - haven't decided tension yet tbh)... anyhow, that should help my assessment.

The YT Rad Pro was a frame I really wanted to like, but in the end I found it carried a bit too much weight in the hoop. I also suffered a bad TE-type injury at the time of using, and though I put that down to what I was doing just prior to hitting with the RP, I'll never forget that discomfort of trying to serve with this frame... scary shoulder/upper arm pains... the more head-light balance than I was accustomed to contributed to my troubles I think... I wasn't quite sure about that YT tech feel either... the pros though of this frame were that it hit a MASSIVE b-line topspin kaboomer!... my 2hbh was STELLA AWESOME with it... and, as you say, it has surprisingly good touch and feel. Funnily enough, like has been the case so many times with me, I think I'd get on with it a whole lot better now than when I tried it out... but I shipped this one out at the start of the summer.

The EP is a frame that appeals to me for precisely the reasons stated... starting with my old PD+, I've always enjoyed hitting the kind of ball that a frame like this is made for, but I've only lately decided to really embrace that and start prioritizing this aspect...

Qsn. Have you ever hit with the PSTGT? I ask because, for me, it indeed booms out a heavy, penetrating, solid, nasty ball,,, the feel is like the old Pure Controls... pretty lush actually... packs a lot of punch... a bit flatter in trajectory and certainly easier to find that flat nailer... a bit more all court... anyway, I'm due a match tomorrow (good opponent btw, which should help me get an enhanced impression of this still new to me frame), and I'm thinking of looking at this frame, and this frame only... er, though I'm sorely tempted to bring along that old PD+ of mine for a few games also... doh!
 
Ross K said:
Qsn. Have you ever hit with the PSTGT? I ask because, for me, it indeed booms out a heavy, penetrating, solid, nasty ball,,, the feel is like the old Pure Controls... pretty lush actually... packs a lot of punch... a bit flatter in trajectory and certainly easier to find that flat nailer... a bit more all court... anyway, I'm due a match tomorrow (good opponent btw, which should help me get an enhanced impression of this still new to me frame), and I'm thinking of looking at this frame, and this frame only... er, though I'm sorely tempted to bring along that old PD+ of mine for a few games also... doh!
Click to expand...

I haven't ever hit with a PSTGT, so I checked out the specs. It looks very similar to the specs I ended up with using the YT Prestige Pro (overgrip and a little lead in the hoop to bump the SW up to 330). If it hits similar to the Prestige Pro, and based on your description it does, that would be a nice stick. I loved the feel of the YTPP, my problem was that in sustained rallys I eventually would break down because I felt the sweet spot was a little small. Once the ball got a little out of that sweet zone, the power seemed to drop substantially. In other words, the racquet is one of the best I have ever played with, it is just too much stick for me. My skill level isn't high enough to get the full potential out of this awesome racquet. I need something with a little more power and a bigger sweet spot that gives me a little more room for error right now.

So what are your thoughts on the the YTPP compared with the PSTGT. That may go a long way in telling me what I might think of the PSTGT.
 
A better idea now of what the PSTGT+ is about following long session against player who put me through it, and had me huffing and puffing like someone who smoked for years and was never shy when it came to entering a pub (er, yes, that would me! :grin: )

Some random thoughts:

String-bed feel - hard to describe, but I love it... lush, crisp, bitey...

Build - solid, solid, solid... and high quality build too imo, no complaints.

Touch and feel - unlike a lot of these Babs and similar racks, this has really decent touch and feel...

Power - there on tap, but in controllable form...

Spin - to a pretty high level

B-line performance-very responsive, great depth, def hits heavy ball)...

Serve - lots of rangey power, good action, but I'm not dialed in yet...

Volleying etc - very solid, penetrating, powerful...

Maneuverability (which is connected to balance/weighting/additional length) - got on with it better but... and this is my big concern... wondering if, like other frames I know (Rd Pro, Rd7, PT630, PSC 6.1) it's just a tad too weighty for me to really get smooth and comfortable with at a higher level of play.

FH - Always the quickest shot for me to groove with for some reason - with this rack I'm comfortable on the fh side, consistent and solid, if not yet accessing the full and punishing capabilities of the frame...

2HBH - I was not only comfy with it's heavy, spinny, controlled performance, but at the end of the match I did find that extra oomph and whatever it is that helps you to nail and kill off points...

The XL factor - that added . 5 " can seem a bit unwieldy, and a few times yesterday, when I was twisting for a ball behind me, I was instantly dead in the water. The obvious temptation of course is to remove the extra length. But the trade off is in when running into low scoopers or short balls, making angles, and, in different respects, when it comes to volleying, serving and fh and 2hbh.

I'm giving this one some time boys. The frame is simply too good for me to not pay it a lot more attention. I do fear an influx of frames in through my front door (quite how these things happen I just don't know... oh yeah, blame Fed! :lol: )... but, yes, will be fascinating to see how I fare with this and that APD (at stringers now).


R.
 
Hit it Harder I think you will freak out when you try the Tfight. I have read a lot of your posts and think I have an idea of what will work for you.

Ross, I asked in another thread, but this is a better place for it. What did you not like about the 320 v02? I want to say stiffness maybe? I have gone back to mine after having to go lighter from my 4d200. It is probably the closest to the holy grail as I have gotten when it comes to a stick that is perfectly suited for the modern game of power and control.

Only negative is it eats strings, but now that I have a string machine, I have made peace with that.
 
Power Player said:
Hit it Harder I think you will freak out when you try the Tfight. I have read a lot of your posts and think I have an idea of what will work for you.

Ross, I asked in another thread, but this is a better place for it. What did you not like about the 320 v02? I want to say stiffness maybe? I have gone back to mine after having to go lighter from my 4d200. It is probably the closest to the holy grail as I have gotten when it comes to a stick that is perfectly suited for the modern game of power and control.

Only negative is it eats strings, but now that I have a string machine, I have made peace with that.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I am keeping my eyes out for a Tflight 320 VO2 Max. I was just able to sell a couple racquets (thanks TW "for sale" section:)), so I have some cash burning a hole in my paypal account. The only thing that is a little worry for me is that the specs looks so close to the YT Prestige Pro (and the PSTGT for that matter) that I wonder if it is a little too much stick for me. The problem that I was having with the Prestige Pro, which is an awesome racquet if you can use it, had a realitively low swing weight and was pretty low powered if you hit the ball outside of the sweetspot. When I was on, this racquet was amazing. But when I was a little off, I couldn't take advantage of the racquet's great playability. I really need something with a little bigger sweetspot (why I gravitate toward 98"-100" frames) and some good pop to help when I am playing defense so my blocks and off-center hits still get back over the net with good depth and pace.

Have you hit with the YTPP? How does it compare to the Tflight 320?

Hopefully, my YT Extreme Pro will come in tomorrow so I can take it out for a hit this weekend. Otherwise, I may have to wait until Tuesday to take it out for a spin and post up my thoughts.
 
Prestiges are real advanced sticks for all court players that hit flatter balls. The Tfight is basically a superior version of the K95 because it is lighter and easier to manuever. The Extreme pro is very similar to an APDGT, just a little heavier. The extreme pro is an easier racquet to use compared to the 320. But the 320 is not going to make you work hard for power either. You just need to have developed strokes. I was using too much arm when I first bought the 320 over a year back. Now that I am consistently hitting with my entire torso and using proper form, it is a very easy stick to play with.
 
HitItHarder said:
So what are your thoughts on the the YTPP compared with the PSTGT. That may go a long way in telling me what I might think of the PSTGT.
Click to expand...


I've owned both and much prefer the ytpp. It's easier to use over a longer session in the heat when the pst will tire you out with it's heavier sw. The ytpp also changes gears better-the pst is nice in a steady rally but the ytpp is better at stepping up and ripping that nasty approach shot or putaway over the PST. I also think the control is better.

Serve is nicer too on the ytpp, the lighter SW will let you get some nice tip speed and it's great for spin and placement any where you want in the box.

The ytpp is quite finicky on strings as well: I loved all the Genesis products in there but didn't care for Luxilon. The irony is that I love Lux in most all sticks.

Given your description of your dislikes of the ytpp, I would steer away from the pst. Great stick but the ytpp is easier to use IMO :)
 
Ross K said:
A better idea now of what the PSTGT+ is about following long session against player who put me through it, and had me huffing and puffing like someone who smoked for years and was never shy when it came to entering a pub (er, yes, that would me! :grin: )

Some random thoughts:

String-bed feel - hard to describe, but I love it... lush, crisp, bitey...

Build - solid, solid, solid... and high quality build too imo, no complaints.

Touch and feel - unlike a lot of these Babs and similar racks, this has really decent touch and feel...

Power - there on tap, but in controllable form...

Spin - to a pretty high level

B-line performance-very responsive, great depth, def hits heavy ball)...

Serve - lots of rangey power, good action, but I'm not dialed in yet...

Volleying etc - very solid, penetrating, powerful...

Maneuverability (which is connected to balance/weighting/additional length) - got on with it better but... and this is my big concern... wondering if, like other frames I know (Rd Pro, Rd7, PT630, PSC 6.1) it's just a tad too weighty for me to really get smooth and comfortable with at a higher level of play.

FH - Always the quickest shot for me to groove with for some reason - with this rack I'm comfortable on the fh side, consistent and solid, if not yet accessing the full and punishing capabilities of the frame...

2HBH - I was not only comfy with it's heavy, spinny, controlled performance, but at the end of the match I did find that extra oomph and whatever it is that helps you to nail and kill off points...

The XL factor - that added . 5 " can seem a bit unwieldy, and a few times yesterday, when I was twisting for a ball behind me, I was instantly dead in the water. The obvious temptation of course is to remove the extra length. But the trade off is in when running into low scoopers or short balls, making angles, and, in different respects, when it comes to volleying, serving and fh and 2hbh.

I'm giving this one some time boys. The frame is simply too good for me to not pay it a lot more attention. I do fear an influx of frames in through my front door (quite how these things happen I just don't know... oh yeah, blame Fed! :lol: )... but, yes, will be fascinating to see how I fare with this and that APD (at stringers now).


R.
Click to expand...

One last thing I forgot to mention but really wanted to say...

Slice - My poorest shot usually is my 1hbh slice, but with the PSTGT+, from the first hit, it has reminded me of a jab!... seriously... it's just so firm and solid and hefty... a great wallop... yes, whenever I do it that image of a jab in boxing comes to mind... a thudding, walloping great jab... don't know if you guys are into boxing, but think of these 2 goats!... it's sort of like a jab from Duran or Ray Leonard :)...

leonard_86707a.jpg



R.
 
PED,

PED said:
Ross K said:
.. it's sort of like a jab from Duran or Ray Leonard :)... [/COLOR]

leonard_86707a.jpg



R.[/QUOTE

No mas :) That fight was a classic.
Click to expand...

Absolute classic, yes... what an era eh?... "Marvellous" Marvin Haggler (man, what a fighter he was!)... the amazing Tommy Hearns... Sugar Ray and Roberto D obviously... and being a Brit, excuse me if I don't mention the under-appreciated Nigel Benn, and the boxer responsible for one of the most amazing/surprising fights ever from this Englishman's perspective - Lloyd Honeyghan (the guy who ko'ed Don Currie, then thought of as the best pound for pound boxer in the world)...

Back to tennis!...



Everyone,

I played again this morning (again just the PSTGT+ on its own), and, not surprisingly, am beginning to feel more dialed in generally and am getting a better feel for it (really worked on getting the racket back early)... served some aces, some flat bombers, which is great; my 2hbh is now turning into a weapon; and as re feel, I'm very happy... if this keeps up I might find it very hard to quit with this rack... will say I want to be able to swing smoother/easier (though today was an advance), and I'd like to get a more pronounced whippy, Western gripper-kind of b-line peppering fh (a bit more like the APD produces)...



Power Player,

Re your TF V02 320 qsn earlier, I found it a bit stiff, not quite for me re build feel, and it was overpowered, plus I didn't quite gel with its balance... all of which, in a slightly ridiculous, fickle manner, I'd probably cheerfully ignore now because it has many attributes I'm presently kind of looking for.:roll:


R.
Click to expand...
 
Ross K said:
Everyone,

I played again this morning (again just the PSTGT+ on its own), and, not surprisingly, am beginning to feel more dialed in generally and am getting a better feel for it (really worked on getting the racket back early)... served some aces, some flat bombers, which is great; my 2hbh is now turning into a weapon; and as re feel, I'm very happy... if this keeps up I might find it very hard to quit with this rack... will say I want to be able to swing smoother/easier (though today was an advance), and I'd like to get a more pronounced whippy, Western gripper-kind of b-line peppering fh (a bit more like the APD produces)...

R.
Click to expand...

Ross, good to hear you are seeing some success with the PSTGT+. I am hoping to get my first hit with my newly arrived YT Extreme Pro this weekend. I decided to string it up at the same tension and with the same string as my YT Rad Pro to get a better side-by-side comparison. I want to see how the racquets perform, so I guess the less variables the better.

I am putting a fresh set of strings in both racquets tonight and should get a pretty extended hit around on Sunday with a practice match as well. I will post up my thoughts on Monday. Once I decide between those two, I will do another play test against my APDGT.

HIH
 
HitItHarder said:
Ross, good to hear you are seeing some success with the PSTGT+. I am hoping to get my first hit with my newly arrived YT Extreme Pro this weekend. I decided to string it up at the same tension and with the same string as my YT Rad Pro to get a better side-by-side comparison. I want to see how the racquets perform, so I guess the less variables the better.

I am putting a fresh set of strings in both racquets tonight and should get a pretty extended hit around on Sunday with a practice match as well. I will post up my thoughts on Monday. Once I decide between those two, I will do another play test against my APDGT.

HIH
Click to expand...

Hit, everyone,

Really look forward to hearing your thoughts on the YTEP, and how it contrasts with the APDGT.

BTW, coincidentally... "Clears throat."... I should be hitting with the MGEP next week, as well as a AG4D200 Tour (been on my 'to demo' list for ages and ages and I've finally got the chance.) And just to top it off, I'll also be taking a look at the YT Pres Pro in the near future (my no. 1 'to demo' frame for months has suddenly turned up.) Oh brother... it's about to be raining rackets here - LOL!:roll:

Final little thought of the night here that I'm pondering re my recent hits with the APD and PSTGT+... when I ask myself just what the Aeropro might have over the generally pretty awesome PSTGT+, here's the answer... on the fh, with the APD, I can really line up very smoothly and tee off and find the ball, and absolutely whip into it, wind/wipe the hell out the ball, and access big, big, baseline-peppering topspin, etc.

For some reason, I've had this on my mind a bit today following the morning session... hmm...


R.
 
Ross K said:
Power Player,

Re your TF V02 320 qsn earlier, I found it a bit stiff, not quite for me re build feel, and it was overpowered, plus I didn't quite gel with its balance... all of which, in a slightly ridiculous, fickle manner, I'd probably cheerfully ignore now because it has many attributes I'm presently kind of looking for.:roll:


R.
Click to expand...

Ross, I too found it stiff last year and talked myself out of it even though I loved the racquet. Now that my technique is back to acceptable levels, I realized I was arming the ball when I just got back to tennis. Damn if this stick is not incredibly plush to hit with for being on the stiffer side.

For reference, once I hurt my wrist, I stopped using the 4D200. I went lighter with the 300Tour and also bought an apdgt. I used the apdgt for 2 days and deemed it now too powerful. Why? Because now I am properly setting up and using my body on every shot. I simply do not need THAT much power unless I am willing to go full poly at 55#s. I would rather go full poly at 48-50#s. Hence, the return to the tfight. I find the T-fight to be powerful, but not as much as the apdgt. It is just such a modern racquet, but it does not go all the way into full tweener land. I personally love the balance in stock form. It is 7 points HL, which is very nice for me.

The final thing which could help you is I finally appreciated the grip shape of a racquet. I love the wilson grip shape, and the Tfight's is similar. What it did was make going from semi western to conti way easier for me. So my net play improved instantly.

So if you are bouncing around trying a million sticks, get real anal about grip shape. I never was before, but it makes a difference if you go from western or SW to conti in transition to the net.
 
PP ^^^,

Interesting post above... as I said, I regret not taking more time to groove with this frame. In theory for sure, so much about it would appear to be to my taste, including nice effortless power off both wings and on serve, decent touch, weighting and ease to swing. If the chance comes to look at it again (and maybe also a 325, which I have to say, appeals to me somewhat too), I'll certainly be more receptive than earlier in the year when I was looking for something slightly different.

Whether or not I'd prefer it over the PSTGT/PSTGT+, I'm not sure... and, to be clear, what I'm really looking at/for, due to my liking for the APD and PSTGT+, I'm breaking down into 2 slightly different kinds of rackets categories, although if 1 possesses all these traits that could be... "The One!"... :) )... 1), a powerful racket that suits a Western grip, is designed for b-line topspin bashing, and that really whips into the ball (specially on fh) and with which you can really swing smoothly and go after the ball and 'tee off'... 2), a racket that has decent feel, build, isn't too hefty or too light, has good control, possibly a bit more all court excellent.

BTW, I'm a fan of the TF grip shape.


R.
 
I just said that because the aerostorm tour is literally a stiffer pure storm tour with an aero beam.
The extreme pro is for slobs like me with vanity backhands who are too lazy to play 6.1 classics but still want to hit their serves hard. :)
 
Fed Kennedy said:
I just said that because the aerostorm tour is literally a stiffer pure storm tour with an aero beam.
The extreme pro is for slobs like me with vanity backhands who are too lazy to play 6.1 classics but still want to hit their serves hard. :)
Click to expand...

Sounds perfect for me then LOL!... Actually, as of a few hours ago, I've now got an MG Extreme Pro (and 2004DAG Tour)... hope to hit with it next week and shall post thoughts in here.... just checking it out, bouncing a ball off the string-bed, a few admittedly cautious strokes in the garden, etc, I can envisage this having that kind of fluid, whippy, big topspinny, finds the ball easily, fh I so enjoy with the APD... but what else can it do? That will be revealing...

R.
 
Ross...it's a little heavy, but you also described the BLX 95 pretty well.

I doubt you will like the Dunlops if you want power at all.

From the description you just gave, you should definitley revisit the Tfight since you basically described it to a T. I have a 325 and a 320 and I will post my impressions of both in the Tfight thread once I hit with them.

This morning I finished off Oheads and volleys extremely well. It was the first time I had felt that confident coming to net and taking the ball in the air for winners. The grip really has helped me out.
 
^^^ PP, others,

Yes, the AG2004D Tour doesn't really appeal so much to me now. However, at the beginning of the year when I was looking at the RD7, when more weighty, low powered frames with great feel were what I was prioritizing, it did interest me. The thing is, demoing etc is not the common practice in the UK as it is states-side, and therefore, if certain frames come up (usually at a competitive price or for trade via a bunch of us UK Racketaholics), I tend to go for it. If the racket doesn't do it for me, it's re-circulated back through UK Racketaholics or other channels...

On the other hand, the Extreme Pro sounds much more like what I'm presently into and prioritizing...

I keenly await your reviews on the TF V02 320 and 325 PP! I especially would appreciate hearing your thoughts on how smoothly these frames swing and find the ball and go through the gears (if you know what I mean)... this is already an issue for me with the PSTGT+ as, and PED mentioned this too when replying to HitItHarder re the PSTGT, the racket kind of seems to swing a tiny bit slowly and doesn't quite get to the ball with the desired fluidity... must be balance and weighting related... anyhow...

2 other frames I've long wanted to check (in fact the most prized of all recent frames for me) are the YT PP (got 1 coming) and... "Ahem"... the BLX 95!...

R.
 
^^^ Hey Mans,

You still hitting the C1O's?... I tell you, now there are some frames that swing sooooo sweetly! :cool: I wish Volkl would update the line with a version that has a bit more power and hits a heavier ball.

R.
 
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